SINGAPORE: From September 1, minor couples must
undergo marriage preparation programmes before a marriage licence
can be issued; and persons remarrying have to declare their
maintenance arrears.
The new requirements follow changes made to the
Women's Charter in January this year.
The new requirement for minor couples is in addition
to the current condition for them to obtain parental consent. It
applies where one or both of the marrying parties are Singapore
citizens or permanent residents below 18 years or where both
parties are aged 18 and above but below 21.
A media release from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth
and Sports (MCYS) on Monday said the requirement is to help young
couples better prepare for marriage and reduce the risk of
divorce.
Minor couples marrying under the Administration of Muslim Law Act
are not affected by this new requirement as they are already
required to attend marriage preparation programmes.
Also starting from Thursday, persons who remarry will be required
to make a statutory declaration on whether they have maintenance
orders and any arrears. The existence of maintenance orders or
debts will not affect the rights of a person to remarry.
The purpose of the declaration is to remind a remarrying party of
his/her maintenance obligations and for the potential spouse to be
aware of the existing financial obligations.
Persons remarrying under the Women's Charter or the Administration
of Muslim Law Act will also be required to make this
declaration.
-CNA/ac